Telematics at UPS: En Route to Energy Informatics

Authors

Richard T. Watson, University of GeorgiaFollow
Marie-Claude Boudreau, University of MemphisFollow
Seth Li, IMD - International Institute for Management DevelopmentFollow
Jack Levis, College of CharlestonFollow

Abstract

With a large fleet of trucks and planes, the level of fossil fuel consumption is always important to UPS. This article describes how UPS has improved safety, reduced mileage, lowered emissions, and cut maintenance costs by gathering information every day using proprietary firmware installed in its trucks. This telematics-based project at UPS demonstrates how companies can create and exploit opportunities for digital data generation and then use the power of information to motivate change—including changes that advance sustainability objectives. In this article, we also describe how the UPS telematics project fits an Energy Informatics Framework. This framework can be used as a road map for other organizations seeking to both increase their profitability and reduce carbon emissions via improved energy efficiency.

Recommended Citation

Watson, Richard T.; Boudreau, Marie-Claude; Li, Seth; and Levis, Jack (2010) "Telematics at UPS: En Route to Energy Informatics," MIS Quarterly Executive: Vol. 9: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/misqe/vol9/iss1/3